During the two-day initiative, participants met with more than 40 Italian companies specialising in technologies for packaging and food processing in the Liquid Food & Beverage and Grain-Based Food sectors.
The programme, developed in collaboration with UCIMA and the Italian Trade Agency, included two key stages: a first day dedicated to networking and B2B meetings at the Phi Hotel Canalgrande in Modena, followed by company visits organised along two thematic routes—beverage technologies and grain-based processing solutions.
“This is the first milestone on the roadmap to Bevertech,” said Simone Castelli, CEO of IPACK‑IMA, which together with Simei by Unione Italiana Vini (Fiera Milano, 17–20 November 2026) will organise the first edition of the new trade show dedicated to technological solutions for the production, packaging and distribution of liquid food and beverage products.
“The event is designed not only as an international showcase for Italian technological excellence, but also as a specialised platform that fosters innovation-driven networking and dialogue. Supporting long-term relationships with qualified operators from priority regions such as West Africa—where demand for processing and packaging solutions is rapidly evolving—is a strategic priority.”
West Africa is characterised by strong demographic and urban growth, the expansion of modern retail and a rapidly developing agricultural sector (+70% cultivated land between 2010 and 2022). According to OECD forecasts, regional food demand is expected to reach USD 480 billion by 2030.
The factory visits included companies such as Robopac, Galdi and Frau Group in the Liquid Food & Beverage segment, and Cepi, ICA and Axor in the Grain-Based Food sector. The initiative represents the first phase of activities aimed at engaging qualified international buyers ahead of Simei and Bevertech. The next step will be IPACK‑IMA, scheduled from 29 May to 1 June 2028 at Fiera Milano.
Bevertech is the new exhibition entirely dedicated to technologies for the production, packaging and distribution of liquid food and beverage products. According to the latest IPACK-IMA Monitor, the sector is expected to reach a value of €16.9 billion over the next three years (up from €13.9 billion in 2023).
Taking place from 17–20 November 2026 concurrently with Simei at Fiera Milano, Bevertech is the result of collaboration between Unione Italiana Vini and IPACK‑IMA. The event aims to serve as a strategic cross-sector hub for promoting Italian technological innovation across automation, packaging, traceability and sustainable solutions.
